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The likes of Manchester United and Barcelona are expected to make more personnel changes before the market slams shut

We've already seen several high-profile transfers this summer, including Erling Haaland moving to Manchester City and Robert Lewandowski joining Barcelona. However, there are still massive names on the market, with several clubs scrambling for their signatures to jolt their struggling on-field products.

Top European clubs such as Manchester United and Barcelona are still reportedly working on a selection of major deals with the 2022-23 campaign now underway.

Poor early season form often leads to a sharp increase in transfer market activity, with this year likely to be no different, and there are more than a few stars pushing for a change of scenery.

Numerous top players could yet make big-money moves before the window closes on September 1, but which are the biggest deals still on the cards?

GOAL is on hand to provide a rundown of the most exciting transfers that could still be completed before the deadline.

Getty ImagesFrenkie de Jong

One of the summer's longest-running transfer sagas, Frenkie de Jong's proposed move to Manchester United might not be finalised for some time yet – if at all. As previously reported by GOAL, Barcelona agreed to a deal worth an initial £63m ($74.5m), with a further £8m ($9.6m) in add-ons.

However, De Jong remains locked in a dispute with the Catalan club over deferred wages. He'd also rather stay at Camp Nou and Barca president Joan Laporta has insisted that they are not under financial pressure to sell.

Still, given De Jong is one of their most valuable assets but not a certain starter, it seems likely that he will eventually leave Barca.

United are willing to wait until the close of the window, with Erik ten Hag desperate to be reunited with his former Ajax charge at Old Trafford, but there is a growing fear at United that if De Jong does move, it will be for Chelsea, as the Londoners can offer Champions League football this season.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesSergej Milinkovic-Savic

Not a summer goes by without Sergej Milinkovic-Savic being linked at least once with either United or Juventus. This year, it's both.

Juve would appear to have less need for the Lazio midfielder, given they've just brought Paul Pogba back to Turin, but the Frenchman has now been ruled out for a couple of months through injury.

It's not as if Massimiliano Allegri couldn't do without another powerful presence in midfield anyway. Juve need to clear some dead wood – terminating Aaron Ramsey's contract was a fine start – but they might be able to put themselves in a position to at least make a move.

As for United, everything hinges on De Jong. If the Dutchman stays at Barca – or worse, from United's perspective, joins Chelsea instead – they could finally launch a bid for Milinkovic-Savic.

Getty ImagesAdrien Rabiot

United seem set to land at least one midfielder before the end of the month, with a deal having already been struck with Juventus for Adrien Rabiot. However, the club have yet to agree terms with the player's agent and mother Veronique, and that's proving a cause for concern at Old Trafford.

Indeed, fears are growing that this deal might collapse.

The fans may not have been exactly enthused by the prospect of Rabiot arriving at Old Trafford, given his average performances in Turin, but his reputation as a troublemaker is unfair and he would at least be an upgrade on nearly every other midfielder currently at United.

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GettyLeandro Paredes

Rabiot should be promptly replaced in Turin by Leandro Paredes, one of Juve's long-term transfer targets.

New PSG coach Christophe Galtier certainly won't stand in the Argentine's way, having already strengthened his midfield with the likes of Vitinha and Renato Sanches this summer.

The one question is whether another club will beat Juve to Paredes' signature.

"Leandro has many offers and I don’t know what will happen between now and the end of the transfer market," Galtier told reporters at the weekend.

Finalists Argentina and France are both well represented in our line up of the best players from a memorable tournament in Qatar

And just like that, the 2022 World Cup is over. With a record number of goals, drama from the start and rounded off by perhaps the greatest final, if not overall game, in the tournament's history, Qatar played host to a show that few will forget in a hurry.

Argentina saw of France in Sunday's finale, with Lionel Messi finally ending his wait for the one trophy that has eluded him in his remarkable career, and perhaps finishing any debate regarding the greatest player of all time.

The mercurial No.10 won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, and so he's a lock for GOAL's Team of the Tournament, but who else should join him in the line up?

Here's how we saw it – do you agree with our selections?

Getty ImagesGK: Emiliano Martinez (Argentina)

After the disappointment of conceding twice to Saudi Arabia in the opening game, Martinez looked like a man hell bent on protecting his goal at all costs.

He commanded his area exceptionally well and made big saves at key times, including last-gasp stops against both Australia in the last 16 and France in the final, as well as in the shootout wins over the Netherlands and in Sunday's dramatic victory.

A deserving winner of the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.

AdvertisementBackpagePixRB: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

An easy choice, Hakimi was consistently excellent throughout the tournament as Morocco captured the hearts of the world during their run to the semi-finals.

The Paris Saint-Germain right-back was superb at both ends of the pitch, with his assist for Youssef En-Nesyri during the win against Canada one of the highlights of the tournament.

Getty ImagesCB: Nicolas Otamendi (Argentina)

As strong as Argentina were coming into the tournament, few would have predicted that 34-year-old Otamendi would have been one of the standout players of the World Cup.

But the Benfica centre-back was exceptional for almost the entire tournament, and though his foul to concede France's first penalty in the final was almost the catalyst to a disastrous defeat, the good far outweighed the bad for the ex-Manchester City man.

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GettyCB: Josko Gvardiol (Croatia)

Forget about what Messi did to him in the semi-final, that could have happened to any defender.

This has been a breakthrough tournament for Gvardiol, one that has cemented his place as one of the best up-and-coming defenders in world football. At just 20, he's a real talent.

The German playmaker enjoyed some special days during his years with the Gunners – but what were the standout moments?

Mesut Ozil has officially brought the curtain down on his glittering career. The 2014 World Cup winner announced the news on his social media channels following a brief spell with Istanbul Basaksehir.

"I've had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity,” Ozil said. “But in recent weeks and months, having also suffered some injuries, it's become more and more clear that its time to leave the big stage of football."

The announcement has understandably seen tributes flood in from fans all around the world, not least at Arsenal, where Ozil spent more than seven years following his move from Real Madrid in 2013.

🏆 TOP STORY: Chelsea set to axe Auba over Barca trip📣 HAVE YOUR SAY: Is Mbappe really ready to captain France?🚨 MUST READ: Viva Garnacho! Inside Man Utd star's rise

The German hit some great heights in north London during his spell with the Gunners. But what were his stand out moments with the Premier League club? GOAL takes a look…

10The day he signed 

No Arsenal fan will forget the drama of that deadline day in 2013.

News broke that Arsenal were trying to get a deal done with Real Madrid for Ozil the night before, just hours after the Gunners had beaten Spurs 1-0 in the North London Derby.

Fans went into meltdown at the prospect of landing one of Europe’s top playmakers, with hundreds gathering outside the Emirates as the clock ticked down awaiting confirmation that the deal had been done.

It went right to the wire, but Arsenal got the £42.4 million move over the line – smashing their transfer record in the process and sending all those fans who were outside the stadium into ecstasy.

Those scenes, which were shown live on Sky Sports, will live long in the memory.

AdvertisementGetty Images9The debut assist

It took Ozil just 11 minutes to make his mark in an Arsenal shirt.

His debut came at Sunderland in the Premier League and he had the eyes of the world on him following his big money move from Real Madrid.

But if he felt any pressure, then he certainly didn’t show it, as he put in a performance that would set the tone for the majority of his Arsenal career.

On 11 minutes he raced down the left wing and gracefully brought a Kieran Gibbs long ball under control with one superb touch with his left foot. 

Ozil then looked up and played a perfect pass into the path of Olivier Giroud, who didn’t even have to break stride as he rolled a first time finish into the bottom corner.

Arsenal’s record signing was up and running.

Getty Images8The Newcastle volley

Ozil scored plenty of fine goals during his time at Arsenal, but none were more spectacular than the volley he produced against Newcastle in December 2017.

In a tight and scrappy game, Ozil produced the one moment of magic that ensured it was Arsenal that left with all three points.

It came after an Alexis Sanchez shot had been blocked and the ball looped back towards Ozil on the edge of the box. There appeared to be little on, but the playmaker produced a stunning volley which flew over a crowd of players in front of him and nestled into the top corner.

A stunning goal.

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Getty Images7His first Arsenal goal

It took Ozil five games to get his first Arsenal goal, but when it arrived it was certainly worth waiting for.

It came against Napoli in the Champions League on a raucous night at Emirates Stadium in 2013.

The finish was masterful, carefully caressing Aaron Ramsey’s cross into the corner of the net with a wonderfully timed half-volley on the run.

It was a super goal which set Arsenal on their way to an impressive European victory.

How to watch and stream Southampton vs Bournemouth in the Premier League on TV and online in the United States.

Southampton and Bournemouth are all set to lock horns in a crucial Premier League clash at St. Mary's Stadium on Thursday.

▶Watch Southampton vs Bournemouth live on BT Sport today!

Rock-bottom side Southampton will seek confidence from their draw against league leaders Arsenal last week. The Saints were on the verge of pulling off a miracle as they had a two-goal lead until the 88th minute of the match, but the Gunners scored two late goals to snatch a point.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth are on the back of a shock 4-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham. They will aim to get back to winning ways as they are currently 15th on the league table, five points above the relegation zone.

GOAL brings you details on how to watch the game on TV in the U.S., as well as how to stream it live online.

GettyKick-off time

Game:

Southampton vs Bournemouth

Date:

April 27, 2023

Kick-off:

2:45 pm ET

Venue:

St. Mary's Stadium

The game is scheduled for April 27, at Emirates Stadium. It will kick off at 3.45 pm ET in the USA.

AdvertisementGettyHow to watch Southampton vs Bournemouth on TV & live stream online

In theUnited States (USA), the game can be live-streamed onPeacock Premium.

Country TV Channel Live stream

USN/APeacock PremiumCheck out GOAL's Soccer on US TV guideGettyTeam news & squads

Bournemouth team news

Ryan Fredericks and Junior Stanislas are set to miss the clash due to injuries while Hamed Traore remains doubtful for the game.

Southampton loanee Jack Stephens is ineligible to face his parent club.

Bournemouth possible XI: Neto; Smith, Mepham, Senesi, Kelly; Tavernier, Lerma, Rothwell, Ouattara; Billing; Solanke

Position

Players

Goalkeepers

Neto, Travers, Randolph

Defenders

Kelly, Mepham, Vina, Stacey, Smith, Lerma

Midfielders

Billing, Tavernier, Cook, Rothwell, Christie

Forwards

Anthony, Ouattara, Solanke, Semenyo, Moore

Southampton team news

Southampton will miss the services of Che Adams, Mohammed Salisu, Juan Larios and Valentino Livramento due to injuries while Jan Bednarek remains doubtful for the clash after he suffered a neck injury against Arsenal.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is set to return to the matchday squad after missing the Arsenal clash as he was ineligible to play against his parent club.

Southampton possible XI: Bazunu; Maitland-Niles, Caleta-Car, Bella-Kotchap, Walker-Peters; Ward-Prowse, Lavia; Elyounoussi, Alcaraz, A. Armstrong; Walcott

Position Players

Goalkeepers:Bazunu, McCarthy, CabelleroDefenders:Caleta-Car, Lyanco, Perraud, Bree, Bella-KotchapMidfielders:Lavia, Diallo, Ward-Prowse, Alcaraz, S. Armstrong, Aribo, Sulemana, Elyounoussi, Djenepo, Edozie, Walcott, Maitland-NilesForwards:A. Armstrong, Onuachu, MaraHead-to-head recordDateResultCompetition22/10/2022Bournemouth 0-1 SouthamptonPremier League20/03/2021Bournemouth 0-3 SouthamptonFA Cup17/07/2020Bournemouth 0-2 SouthamptonPremier League21/09/2019Southampton 1-3 BournemouthPremier League27/04/2019Southampton 3-3 BournemouthPremier LeagueENJOYED THIS STORY?

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GettyUseful linksBournemouth team pageSouthampton team pageLive soccer on U.S. TV

Wrexham's defensive record was among the best in the National League last season, but they are still expected to strengthen at the back this summer

After all the hype, Wrexham have actually got their summer transfer window off to a fairly quiet start. Supporters are still waiting to greet their first new signing, despite the club being linked with a host of top players, including Gareth Bale.

Phil Parkinson offered a update on his recruitment recently, insisting that while the Red Dragons were not planning a squad overhaul this summer, they would "go all out" to secure their top targets. Once the spending does begin, it's likely that defence will be an area that is targeted for reinforcements.

While only two National League teams (Boreham Wood and Notts County) conceded fewer goals than Wrexham last season, the standard of attackers they will be facing is set to shoot up in League Two. Left wing-back is a particular area of concern, with competition required for the impressive Jacob Mendy, while more bodies at centre-back would be welcomed too.

GOAL has taken a look at some of the players they could move for this summer…

Getty ImagesMorgan Fox

Morgan Fox only missed six Championship games for Stoke City last season as the Potters secured a lower-mid-table finish. The club has since decided to shake up the squad significantly in the summer, with a host of high-profile players set for release.

Fox is among those who will be let go and he won't struggle for offers this summer. It will take some doing, but he would be the ideal marquee signing for Wrexham.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are understood to value having a Welsh nucleus in the Red Dragons' squad. Fox would fit the bill, having been called up by his country on two occasions – although he's yet to be handed his first cap.

Wrexham will have to make Fox their highest earner to have any chance of completing a deal, but the reliable left-back could be a real difference maker in League Two.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesAshley Young

Ashley Young has carved out an incredible career for himself since breaking through at Watford as a youngster, going on to lift the Premier League, Serie A and FA Cup trophies. More recently, he enjoyed a second spell at Aston Villa, chipping in with some vital contributions as the Villans secured European football for the coming season.

Young's time in the West Midlands has now come to an end and he will be looking for a fresh challenge this summer. A move to Wrexham may seem fanciful, but Reynolds and Co possess a trump card in negotiations: Ben Foster.

Foster played with Young at Watford and the pair have a good relationship off the field. Who knows, perhaps the veterans might fancy getting together for one last job?

Getty ImagesTyler Blackett

Former Manchester United prospect Tyler Blackett is perhaps best remembered for his ill-fated spell as one of Louis van Gaal's starting centre-backs. The Dutchman's support for the youngster was unwavering – until he was sent off in a humiliating 5-3 defeat to recently-promoted Leicester.

Blackett was scarcely seen in a United shirt again, going on to have spells with Reading, Nottingham Forest and FC Cincinnati in MLS. Most recently, he signed with Rotherham on a short-term deal that expires on June 30.

The Millers have offered Blackett an extension, but the defender will be aware that he could be able to get better terms elsewhere. What has set Wrexham apart from other lower-league clubs is there propensity to offer longer-term deals than their rivals. Blackett might crave this stability after a turbulent year.

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Getty ImagesJoe Bennett

It's not been much fun being a Wigan Athletic player this season. Financial issues away from the pitch has led to players being paid late on more than one occasion, while the Latics also suffered Championship relegation.

Thankfully, a late takeover bid seems to have secured the club's short-term future, but that future will not have Joe Bennett in the picture, with the former Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Cardiff City defender set for release this summer.

Bennett has some experience as a wing-back and could even feasibly fill in as one of Parkinson's three centre-backs if required. It would be a shrewd signing by Wrexham, though Bennett may have his heart set on a move to a higher division.

Detalils of how much Rob McElhenney, the actor and co-owner of Wrexham AFC, earns and his net worth…

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney is an American actor, writer, producer, and director. He is best known for creating, co-writing, and starring in the FX comedy series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

McElhenney was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1977. He has worked on several television shows and in 2005, co-created It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia with Glenn Howerton. The show is a mockumentary-style comedy about a group of friends who own a bar in Philadelphia. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has been praised for its dark humour and its willingness to push the boundaries. The show has been on the air for over 15 seasons and is one of the longest-running comedies on television.

In 2020, the Wrexham Supporters Trust announced the formation of a business partnership involving McElhenney and popular actor Ryan Reynolds. The partnership aimed to acquire the Welsh football team Wrexham AFC and two months later, it was officially confirmed that the duo had successfully taken ownership of the club. The club has since then achieved success step-by-step, their latest feat being promotion to League Two after 15 years.

How has Rob McElhenney managed to invest and develop the club? Below, GOAL takes a look at his net worth, streams of income and more.

What is Rob McElhenney's net worth? Net worth:$50 million / £39 millionSource of wealth:Film & television contracts, sports teamDate of birth: April 14, 1977Country of birth:United States

As of 2023, Rob McElhenney's net worth is reported to be around the $50m mark. As is the case with most reports on net worth incomes, this figure should be taken with a pinch of salt.

He has worked on several television shows and in 2005, co-created It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia which went on to become a super-hit TV show and is in its 16th season.

AdvertisementGettyHow much does Rob McElhenney get paid per film?

The amount that McElhenney gets paid for each of his films and shows varies wildly. In the initial season of his now hit show, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, McElhenney reportedly received a salary of $70,000 (approximately £59,000) per episode. This amount was relatively modest when compared to the salaries typically seen in other sitcoms.

With the show having become an instant hit, the actor and creator will be getting paid much more than what he received initially.

Getty ImagesWhich are Rob McElhenney's popular TV shows?

The super-hit TV show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is Rob McElhenney's most popular work in his career so far. It has run for 16 seasons as of 2023 and has received critical acclaim over the years.

When the series reached its 15th season, it became the longest-running live-action American comedy series, surpassing the 14-season run of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet from 1952 to 1966. In December 2020, the show was renewed for an additional four seasons, extending its total to 18 seasons. The 16th season premiered on 7 June 2023 and is currently ongoing.

Below are a few of his work that is popular globally:

Film / TV Show Role

It's Always Sunny in PhiladelphiaCreator, Writer, Director, Producer, ActorGame of ThronesActor (cameo role)Welcome to WrexhamExecutive ProducerMythic QuestCreator, Writer, Director, Executive Producer, ActorENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty/GOALWhat businesses does Rob McElhenney have?

During the year 2020, the Wrexham Supporters Trust made a notable announcement regarding the establishment of a business partnership featuring McElhenney and renowned actor Ryan Reynolds. The duo acquired ownership of Wrexham AFC, a Welsh football team.

Since then, the club has experienced a steady progression toward success, accomplishing significant milestones along the way. Notably, their most recent triumph involved securing promotion to League Two, an achievement that had eluded them for a remarkable 15-year duration.

Aside from the Wrexham acquisition, McElhenney is also a co-founder of the entertainment-tech company named Adim which uses blockchain technology to empower creators.

In 2023, McElhenney made another venture into the world of sports, taking a 24% stake in the Alpine Racing Formula 1 team.

Despite further attempts to improve their economic situation, the Blaugrana remain behind their Clasico rivals when it comes to spending power

Joan Laporta had tried to tell everyone it would all work out. Repeatedly, towards the end of Barcelona's 2022-23 La Liga-winning campaign, the club president lumbered up to a microphone to reassure fans that a big summer was ahead. He insisted that the club's finances had been sorted out, that Barca could be a force in the transfer market once again.

The primary target was, of course, Lionel Messi. But once it became clear that the club could not afford the great Argentine's wages, signing-on fee, or registration terms — even at a massive pay cut — everything started to look ominous. Since then, they have been linked with a host of big names, but have had to operate shrewdly in the market. The big hits that Laporta promised are yet to arrive.

Meanwhile, at Real Madrid, things look massively different. Suffering from a number of key departures, Los Blancos have invested heavily, bringing in one marquee signing, another one full of potential, with a potential superstar addition to follow. They won't have Karim Benzema in their side next season, but Madrid are in a position where they will finish the window having improved themselves.

This could present a problem for Barca. They won the league comfortably last year, besting their arch-rivals by 10 points. But Madrid's squad has undoubtedly improved, while Barcelona's has stalled.

GettyAlways going to be a big summer

Barcelona do indeed deserve some credit here. Winning La Liga is no easy feat, especially given they had a squad that was, on paper, far inferior to Madrid's. Doing it all by 10 points, while having, by some distance, the best defence in Europe, is all the more impressive. Still, there's a feeling that Xavi's side benefitted from a regression in the Spanish capital.

The previous season, Madrid had tallied 86 points and won the league by a more convincing margin. That same squad, complete with a further developed Vinicius Jr, should probably have pushed the Barca all the way.

And that's what makes this summer so crucial. Madrid had, by their measure, a forgettable season last year. This is a team that expected to win a treble every year, and should, at the very least, compete for La Liga. That they fell out of the picture will have only fuelled the anger in Ancelotti's side.

Madrid have been accordingly active, snapping up Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler, with the distinct possibility that Kylian Mbappe will eventually follow. This could comfortably become a €300 million (£257m/$331m) summer for Los Blancos. They aren't messing around.

Some of the usual key faces are still at the Santiago Bernabeu, too. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have agreed to stay for one more year and will want to win in likely their last season in white. Vinicius has thrown himself into the 'best in the world' conversation and will play on the opposite wing to an ever-improving Rodrygo. Throw in Eduardo Camavinga, Eder Militao, Federico Valverde and Thibaut Courtois, and this, once again, looks like a scary team.

AdvertisementWho Barca have bought

Things aren't quite as intimidating in Catalunya, though most of last year's title-winning squad are still around. Crucially, Ronald Araujo has enjoyed an extended run of fitness, Gavi and Pedri will only get better, while Robert Lewandowski will almost definitely score 20-plus goals.

But the good news ends there. Barcelona have a massive hole to fill at the base of midfield, after boyhood culer Sergio Busquets left the club at the start of the summer. Xavi had helped the club captain adapt in his last season at Camp Nou, removing some of his running responsibilities, and stripping his game down to the tackling and ball progression that helped him define the modern No.6 position. He is a player that needs replacing.

And they've made some moves to try. Ilkay Gundogan looks a solid piece of business. The German has been vital for Manchester City's recent period of Premier League dominance and is sure to slot into the Barca midfield rather comfortably. But he isn't a defensive midfielder. It was, in fact, his deployment at the very position that arguably lost City the 2020 Champions League final. If the goal is to replace Busquets, they've got the wrong guy.

The other purchase in that position isn't exactly awe-inspiring. Barca have bought Oriol Romeu, a player who couldn't get a kick at Chelsea and enjoyed his best days at Southampton. He did impress for a Girona side that made a surprise push to 10th last season, but the €8m (£7m/$9m) signing isn't of the calibre to compete to ensure a defence of the Liga title.

Elsewhere, Inigo Martinez was brought in on a free from Athletic Club to add depth to the defensive ranks, while perhaps the most exciting signing and biggest outlay in terms of transfer fee is Brazilian teenager Vitor Roque, though the €35m striker won't arrive in Spain until January 2024.

GettyImageWho they want to buy

Still, they are undoubtedly ambitious at Barca. Xavi and Laporta have both spoken of their aspirations in the transfer market, and there are clearly still some weaknesses in this side. To fix their financial woes, and strengthen the unit, Laporta has turned to a reliable trick.

The president effectively mortgaged the club's future last summer, pulling a series of economic levers to free up cash for a busy transfer window. La Liga president Javier Tebas responded with a rule capping such actions, preventing Barca from selling club assets. But he didn't ban outside sponsorship.

Barcelona have reportedly allowed the Qatari league to use their name in return for a yearly injection of around €100m (£85m/$109m). That cash projects to be enough to register their current signings, and might just free up some room for more now. If further investment comes — and Laporta is looking — this could get very busy, very quickly.

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Getty ImagesThe Mbappe situation

And it might soon get worse for Barcelona. Laporta insisted on Thursday that he isn't worried about the prospect of Mbappe joining Madrid. He claimed that Barcelona have a better squad, and that he would take the Blaugrana's team dynamic over the 'individuals' of Madrid.

There is some sense to that. His Barcelona side has grown together, and peaked at the right time. They seem to like each other, and certainly, despite being an inferior side on paper, bested Madrid.

But this is Mbappe, at a position of need. Madrid's current striking options look grim, with either Jude Bellingham as a false nine or the 33-year-old Joselu leading the line. Neither of those players will score 15 goals next year. Mbappe could bang in 30 without breaking a sweat.

Mbappe is a world-class player, the perfect addition to top off an already improved side. It is scary to think what the Frenchman might be able to do through the middle, with Vinicius and Rodygo on either side of him. Laporta is making all of the right noises here — and he should — but he must also be secretly hoping that the move falls apart. It could prove to be the death blow in Barcelona's title hopes.

The Italian coach opted to start five central midfielders at the Metripolitano, but it didn't work at all as Los Blancos lost 3-1

In recent years, Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid have been immune to the challenges that have come with major games. This is a side that does not fear the biggest occasions, mainly because their manager does not allow it. Ancelotti has his system, his players, and his philosophy. There are tweaks — there have to be some — but no rival has brought about drastic change.

That is, until Sunday. Ancelotti had a rare tactical blip in one of his poorer days as Madrid manager, setting up a puzzling system that saw his side battered on the break by an eager Atletico team who ran out 3-1 winners in the Madrid derby.

The troubles were clear early on as Atletico embarked on a sweeping move down the left wing, with Samuel Lino afforded the time to reflect on the necessary angles, peer into the open space available to him, and deliver a whipped cross that Alvaro Morata simply nodded home.

Atletico added a second shortly after. This one came down the same wing with Saul, enjoying something of a revival after a forgettable loan spell at Chelsea, finding Antoine Griezmann, who rose from the penalty spot, entirely unmarked, to put his team 2-0 up. The third was nearly identical. Saul delivered the pass again for Morata to creep into a yard of space to evade three static Madrid defenders.

And those three crucial moments decided the contest. Ancelotti played five midfielders and no real striker, put Jude Bellingham on the wing, and asked a 38-year-old Luka Modric to start for the second game in a row. The Madrid attack was as discombobulated as expected, the only goal coming from a 20-yard Toni Kroos effort.

Changes did eventually come late in the game, Ancelotti abandoning his new system in favour of the 4-4-2 diamond that had handed Madrid a perfect start to the season. But his mishaps had done their damage, Madrid slumping to a derby loss to the tune of a tactical and defensive nightmare.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from the Metripolitano…

WINNER: Alvaro Morata

Few would have guessed that Atletico's often maligned striker would prove to be the difference between the two sides, but Alvaro Morata's brace was vital.

His role was stripped down from an attacking perspective here. The forward only had 28 touches all game, and was seldom involved off the ball. Instead, he provided an able body in transition, and, crucially, a clinical finisher when required.

Madrid will feel, correctly, that they should have defended Morata more effectively. Still, he took both of his goals well, meeting angled crosses and judging his headers expertly, leaving Kepa Arrizabalaga helpless on both occasions.

Morata is, contrary to social media belief, a rather decent centre-forward, despite all of the criticism levelled at him on a weekly basis. He showed just how impactful he can be on Sunday evening.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: David Alaba

In the 47th minute, after Morata bagged his second goal, David Alaba turned around, looked angrily at his team-mates, and pounded the Metropolitano turf. But for all of his protestations, the Austrian could only blame himself. For the second time in the fixture, he had lost the Spanish striker, and been far too easily exploited with a simple cross.

It was the culmination of a rare poor showing from Alaba, who always seems to get the fundamentals right. He doesn't usually lose his man, or miss a header. He tends to time his tackles, and read passing lanes. Against Atletico, though, he was all over the place.

He can certainly be blamed for both of Morata's goals, and didn't offer much help on the Atletico second either, failing to communicate with his centre-back partner Antonio Rudiger as Griezmann found far too much space. He doesn't have bad nights often; this one was awful.

WINNER: Barcelona

It is certainly too early in the season to be calling the Liga title race. Barcelona and Real Madrid will likely compete deep into the fixture list for the crown, these two fundamentally flawed but immensely exciting sides engaging in what should be an intriguing duel.

And although we are far too early to extrapolate points, performances and results into anything concrete, this would have made for a nice watch for the Blaugrana, especially after their own epic comeback win on Saturday.

Madrid were easily exploitable here, their defensive weaknesses laid bare. It is perhaps a showing that others can take inspiration from, too. Hit Madrid on the break, exploit the wings, and you will have a chance. And if this was the game that showed Madrid's biggest flaws — and gave other sides a clue as to how they might take a point or three off Los Blancos — then Barca might just have the upper hand in the weeks to come.

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Getty ImagesLOSER: Luka Modric

Ancelotti has promised for a year now that Modric would be steadily phased out of the Madrid line-up. He admitted in February that both the Croatian and Kroos would have to accept a "moment of transition" in the Spanish capital, and suggested that they will not be regular starters this year. On Sunday, it was easy to see why.

Modric appeared in the Madrid line-up for the second straight game, just five days after playing 70 tricky minutes against Union Berlin. And he looked tired from the first whistle, overwhelmed by the pace and bite of the contest. He struggled to get back, and was uncharacteristically squalid on the ball.

He played only 45 minutes, touched the ball 38 times, and didn't create a single chance. This was not the showing of the former Ballon d'Or winner. Rather, it was the trudge of a 38-year-old starting to look his age.

Cristiano Ronaldo's son has agreed to join Al-Nassr's Under 13 team and has his eye on reaching the senior side to play alongside his father.

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Ronaldo Jr signed Al-Nassr dealWill wear No. 7 jersey like his dadHopes to play alongside iconic starWHAT HAPPENED?

The iconic star's eldest son has signed a deal with the Riyadh club's youth team, according to Fabrizio Romano, and will start training alongside his new team-mates in the next few days.

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The 13-year-old has been training in Saudi Arabia since his dad made the switch to Al-Nassr in January this year. However, he has now become part of the Pro League side's academy.

The youngster will follow in his father's footsteps even further by wearing the No. 7 jersey that has become part of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's brand.

WHAT THEY SAID

The youngster even hopes to realise his deam of playing alongside his dad, as Ronaldo said in 2019: "Sometimes, my son tells me: ‘Dad, hold on for a few more years, I want to play with you’. But that will be difficult."

Ronaldo is already 38-years-old, however, so it remains to be seen if he will still be playing by the time his son can make the first-team.

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are in action again on Saturday when they take on Damac in the Saudi Pro League.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have received a huge boost in their bid to acquire the lease of STok Racecourse from the Wrexham Supporters Trust.

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Hollywood co-owners completed takeover in 2021Stadium freehold acquired in 2022Pushing to acquire lease for the ground in 2023WHAT HAPPENED?

Hollywood stars Reynolds and McElhenney completed their stunning takeover of the Red Dragons in the spring of 2021. In the June of 2022, it was announced that the club had purchased the freehold of the Racecourse from Wrexham Glyndwr University for £2 million – with a covenant agreed at that stage which would see the Welsh outfit remain in their current home until “at least 2115”.

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Wrexham aired their frustration in January 2023 at failing to move things on from there, with the leasehold for StoK Racecourse proving difficult to acquire from the WST. Several rounds of “complex talks” have been blamed for the delay in a complicated legal matter that loyal supporters are understandably keen to ensure is completed in the right manner – with the best interests of the club at heart. WST chairman Barry Jones told the Fearless in Devotion podcast back in July: “We have 100% belief in Rob and Ryan. The issue is in many years to come Rob and Ryan will sell the club one day. I hope it’s not for 20 years or 30 – whatever. But what we don’t want is Hamilton II. Rob and Ryan own the football club, they bought the freehold from the university – and there is the lease.” ‌

WHAT THEY SAID

Progress is now being made, with it revealed that the WST have agreed “in principle” to part with the Racecourse lease. A read: “On Monday November 6th the Trust board considered the proposal received from the Club regarding the surrender of the current Racecourse Cae Ras leasehold structure. The board unanimously approved in principle; subject to the finalisation of the legal documents, to seek approval at a special general meeting of the Trust members to surrender the leases to the Club and to replace them with legally binding covenants to ensure that Wrexham AFC first team’s home remains where it is today. The board will be issuing a members’ document pack next week and will convene the special general meeting as soon as possible in accordance with the Trust’s rules. We hope as many members as possible will partake in the vote and we will announce details of the process in due course.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Reynolds and McElhenney, along with the rest of the Wrexham board, will be hoping that there are no more obstacles to clear from here and that legal formalities can be completed without a hitch. The Dragons are in the process of refurbishing their famous old ground, as the Kop stand gets a serious facelift, and superstar co-chairmen have helped to deliver a remarkable upturn in fortune on and off the pitch in North Wales.